NBC Rewrites Midseason Schedule

NBC is loading up on unscripted fare in January, giving over nearly a third of its prime-time schedule to shows that won't be affected by the writers' strike.

The network, which has been putting small pieces of its midseason schedule in place over the past couple of weeks, has now added several more shows to its 2008 slate. Every weeknight will have at least one hour of unscripted programming, and as things stand now, at least six of NBC's 22 prime-time hours will be filled with reality or game shows.

"American Gladiators," meanwhile, will move into "Chuck's" 8 p.m. Monday spot on Jan. 7, following a two-hour premiere the previous night. "Chuck" has been picked up for a full season, but its pre-strike supply of episodes will likely be exhausted by then.

NBC also has "Celebrity Apprentice" scheduled for a Jan. 3 premiere and will likely continue with "Deal or No Deal" on Wednesdays.

For all the reality programming, NBC will also have some original scripted shows to air at midseason, strike or no strike. The network announced earlier this week that "Lipstick Jungle" will debut Thursday, Feb. 7; it will also have new episodes of "Law & Order" and "Medium," both of which are currently scheduled for Sunday nights.